What is the major difference between a cheap and high-end knife

[kenny1999]

otherwise than the shape and comfort for grip, what is the difference in terms of the material used between a cheap (e.g. $1 or $10) and an expensive (e.g. $100) stainless steel knife?

 

[dcSaute]

there are a couple details that (traditionally) make for a "quality" knife:


- forged, not stamped out of flat sheet
- full tang, with rivet attachment
- good steel


with the higher quality steels more prevalent, the "stamped" issue has been been less emphasized - except to note the 'dollar store variety' is usually much thinner and usually unacceptably flexible for (example) a chef's knife.

 

[Andy M.]

Steel quality, balance, edge profile, handle comfort, style, brand name.

Prices for a kitchen knife can range from $30 to thousands of dollars for handmade custom knives.